The Optifast diet is a program for the morbidly obese.
The Optifast diet has given morbidly obese individuals the opportunity to lose significant amounts of weight in a short period of time. The Optifast diet is designed for those with a weight excess of 50 pounds or more and a body mass index (BMI) in excess of 30. Although the Optifast diet can be used by those with a BMI of 25 to 50, the program should only be undertaken if the individual is experiencing medical problems. Add this to my Recipe Box.
The Diet
The Optifast diet must only be taken under the guidance of a fully qualified physician. Because the nature of the program is so extreme, the diet requires weekly assessments and group counseling sessions. The diet includes a minimum 12-week liquid-only phase before regular meals are slowly introduced. The entire program usually lasts up to 26 weeks and involves four individual stages.
Phase One: Screening
Patients are initially screened to ensure they meet the required criteria of being overweight by 50 pounds or more, and must fall between the ages of 20 and 50. A series of initial checks are carried out to make sure the patient meets the required levels of health, and laboratory tests are completed to ensure the diet will not pose any major health risks. The patient will usually meet the physician, nutritionists and support staff while the laboratory test results are being awaited.
Phase Two: Active Weight Loss
Once the laboratory results have been received and the patient is accepted, the active weight-loss phase begins. The patient will move to a liquid-only diet that consists of Optifast products. Energy intake during this period equates to less than 800 calories a day. Optifast drinks are taken five times throughout the day, and the products are specially formulated to provide the recommended daily allowance of vitamins, nutrients and protein. Weekly meetings with the physician take place during the second phase of the program so supplemental medicines can be adjusted. The patient also begins group therapy sessions in the presence of a trained psychologist to learn new behavioral patterns and discuss her experiences with others.
Phase Three: Transition Phase
After a minimum 12-week period on a liquid-only diet, the patient begins to replace Optifast products with meals that are high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Fats and carbohydrates are kept to a minimum, and the nutritionist will continue to provide a diet plan that encourages healthy eating. The transition phase can last for up to six weeks, and the patient will continue weekly meetings with the physician. Group support with the psychologist will also continue.
Phase Four: Maintenance
As the transition to solid food is completed, the patient moves on to the final stage. The patient has the opportunity to practice the healthy eating habits that were reinforced during group support sessions. Exercise is encouraged, and most clinics will continue to offer support so the patient isn't tempted to revert back to his previous eating habits.
